Visiting York: What to see, do & stay

Earlier this year, my husband and I were visiting York for a friends wedding, and I’d like to think we hunted out some of the best places to see, where to dine and a great location close to the town.

We drove up from the south, which took around 4 hours with a stop off on the way there, and booked into the Monkbar (now Double Tree by Hilton). This was the perfect hotel. Our room was very clean and tidy and set slightly away from the main hotel, which was welcomed. If you need a ground floor or accessible room make sure to notify them on booking, as our room was quite a walk away and several steps to get to. We had breakfast at the hotel whilst on our stay and it was very good. I’d give it a 4 out of 5 for variety and quality. The hotels location was across the road to the centre, so less than a minute walk to a whole host of restaurants, bars, and a chance to explore the city’s history – perfection.

Now onto what to do in York.

Eating out.

Without a doubt you simply have to dine at Little Italy. We had the pork belly which was absolutely delicious and quite possibly the best pork belly I’ve ever had – just a shame it’s so far away from us, though that may be a good thing as our waistbands may start expanding rapidly! You’ll find it as you walk into the city from the hotel. It looks like a bakery, it is but the restaurant is upstairs, and any breads you order are fresh from their bakery.

Visiting York: Pork Belly at Little Italy, York

For a refreshing beverage in a quirky bar, visit the House of the Trembling Madness. Here you can enjoy an array of unusual beers, eat homemade pies (we didn’t have but only heard good things) and be surrounded by old beams, stuffed animals mounted to the walls and a cosy atmosphere.

Visiting York: Inside views of the House of the Trembling madnessVisiting York: Strawberry beers at the House of theTrembling Madness

A second dinner option would be Masala Craft Fine Indian Kitchen. From beginning to end we were well look after. The food was beautiful, very well flavoured and all facilities clean and tidy. The staff were very polite and I would not hesitate in recommending this restaurant. After dinner, you are right next to bars to continue your evening by the river.

All of the above restaurants off a Vegetarian, Vegan and Gluten free options – you’re welcome!

If you have time to do a spot of sightseeing, without question you must go and see York Minster. It is breathtaking inside and out. We have some beautiful cathedrals in Europe and this is in my top three. It is one of the largest cathedrals in Northern Europe, opening in 637AD. The sheer size of it inside is magnificent.

Visiting York: York Minster, the official Cathedral of York

We walked in as prayers were being said, I spoke to one of the nuns there who was more than happy to talk to me about the history as well as current day events held at the Minster. If you visit, don’t be afraid to ask questions, everyone there is more than happy to stop and have a chat with you, in fact I advise you to do exactly that. You can purchase your tickets online before you get there and tickets are valid for one year. Purchase them via TripAdvisor here

York truly is a beautiful historic city, with so much to see, eat and stay you really have the most wonderful time. Try and stay for two nights, but if you have a full day there you can definitely get all of the above done as York isn’t spaced out, everything is within walking distance of each other.

Let me know if you go or are thinking of going in the comments below or find us on social media.